Every year at this time, American businesses communicate their hopes for a joyous holiday and best wishes for the year ahead to their customers and friends. But should they? Does it need to be done?

American businesses and individuals send billions of holiday cards. But perhaps this is the year to reconsider. Most of those cards will end up going out in the trash, but not before they have consumed millions of dollars in valuable resources.

So instead of a glossy corporate Christmas card stamped with signatures that are undeniably false, consider what else could be done? Perhaps taking a video clip of each of the employees at your office and sending a slide show on the internet that allows viewers to get to know who is on the other end of the phone? You could post it on youtube.com, and enjoy hope that it becomes the viral marketing tool that boosts the bottom line. Or for the most important customers, an organic fruit basket or selection of jams is always welcome. Organic chocolates are also likely to be popular choices.

The point is that cards which carry the holiday wishes aren’t really good for anything and they use up valued resources. Other “holiday gifts” could be more useful, fun to look at, edible, and less consumptive of natural resources, all while conveying appreciation for business relationships and friendship and other relationships along with respect for the environment.

If you must send a card this holiday season, then try cards on recycled paper. And next year, consider recycling this year’s cards as a statement to your customers of good cheer for the Greenification of our planet.